Li discusses future blueprint

Updated: 2013-11-02 00:45

By LI XIAOKUN and ZHANG FAN (China Daily)

China is working hard to solve key structural problems in its economic and social development, Premier Li Keqiang said on Friday when addressing a special session of a renowned global think tank.

The remarks came several days before a key meeting of the Communist Party of China, which will discuss the blueprint for China's future reform and development.

"China will deepen reforms in a comprehensive way, break deep-seated obstacles and promote structural adjustment," Li said in the Chinese capital at the opening ceremony of a meeting of the 21st Century Council, which focuses on global governance reform.

China has insisted on "implementing reform and innovation in every aspect of the nation's development", said the premier.

He told the attendants that China is committed to making people's wealth rise alongside economic development.

The government is "weaving a safety net of social security" and promoting social justice and progress, Li said.

He also told the audience that China is committed to building a peaceful international environment and a stable neighborhood to realize mutual benefits.

"That was a basic condition of China's development in the past and we cherish it very much," he said.

The 21st Century Council is a non-governmental forum founded in 2011 by former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and US investor Nicolas Berggruen, together with many world-renowned politicians, scholars and entrepreneurs.

It is referred as the "shadow G20" because it is usually held before the G20 conference to recommend suggestions to governments around the world.

But this time it is held especially for China, not for the G20, Wu Jianmin, vice-chairman of the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, a co-holder of the meeting, said ahead of the session.

"That reflects the importance the world attaches to China," said Wu, also former Chinese ambassador to France.

The session, scheduled from Friday to Sunday, is themed "Understanding China". It will discuss China's development model and its role in global governance in the next decade.

Wu also noted the forum is being launched just a few days before the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, which is scheduled from Nov 9 to 12 in Beijing.

The timing of the 21st Century Council shows that the world is as concerned about the country's future as the Chinese themselves, he said.

The theme of this forum, "Understanding China", was put forward by the think tank, Wu said.

"On the one hand, the theme shows that the world needs to understand China because China has become a major power in driving global development, while misunderstandings about China still exist," said Wu.

On the other hand, China also has a need to introduce its ideas and pursuits to the world, he added.

"China is undergoing deep changes. Our nationhood and influence have never been so high since the First Opium War (1840-42). Misunderstanding about China can be a strong obstacle in its stable development, since China is closely related to the world community," Wu said.

Contact the writers at lixiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn and zhangfan@chinadaily.com.cn